Ir-rigal prezzjuż lill-ġenerazzjonijiet li ġejjin

Fid-dinja kontemporanja tal-lum, in-nies qed jibbenifikaw mill-invenzjonijiet xjentifiċi, li bidlu l-ħajja tagħna kompletament. Dawn l-invenzjonijiet xjentifiċi huma ta’ benefiċċju kbir għalina lkoll. U issa ma naħsbux li nistgħu ngħixu mingħajrhom. U minħabba dawn l-invenzjonijiet naraw bidla kbira fil-klima u t-tniġġis qed jiżdied kuljum.

Kif nafu, dawn l-invenzjonijiet għandhom effetti negattivi għal saħħitna wkoll, kif ukoll mard ta’ tip differenti qed jaffetwa n-nies. Ħafna nies qed ibatu minn allerġiji, kanċers, problemi tan-nifs, problemi ta’ ġilda, eċċ. In-numru tan-nies li jużaw inhalers qed jiżdied.

Naraw ħafa laqgħat dwar l-ambjent fil-pajjiż kif ukoll madwar id-dinja, sabiex naslu li nsalvaw il-problemi dwar l-ambjent. Ħafna diskuzzjonijiet qed jiġu organizzati biex insibu s-soluzzjonijiet ta’ kif nistgħu nagħmlu l-ambjent aħjar.

Waħda mis-soluzzjonijiet hi li nibdew inħawlu ħafna siġar kemm nistgħu f’kull pajjiż tad-dinja. Il-mistoqsija hi, għaliex is-siġra hija ta’ importanza kbira? X’inhuma l-benefiċċji tas-siġra?

Meta naqraw dwar is-siġra insibu li siġra hi vera importanti għall-ambjent kif ukoll għal saħħitna. Is-siġra tagħtina frott, kenn, injam, arja friska kif ukoll l-ossiġnu li huwa importanti ħafna għall-ħajja tagħna fuq l-art.

Hawn irrid nikteb l-istorja li qrajt ħafna snin ilu, iżda l-messaġġ tagħha huwa importanti l-istess illum kif kien qabel, anki aktar minn qatt qabel.

Qrajt li darba waħda r-re ta’ xi pajjiż kien għaddej minn qalb għelieqi u ra raġel li kien xiħ ħafna u li kien qed ħawwel siġra. Ir-re kien sorpriż u mar ħdejh u qallu:

‘‘Għalxiex inti qed tħawwel din is-siġra?’’

Ir-raġel qal: ‘‘Għall-frott, għall-kenn, għall-ossiġnu u għall-arja safja.’’

Ir-re qal: ‘‘Int taf li inti raġel xiħ ħafna u ma tafx kemm se tgħix aktar, hu possibbli li tmut qabel din is-siġra tikber, issir siġra kbira u tibda tagħti l-frott u l-kenn.’’

Ir-raġel qal: ‘‘Maestà! Din is-siġra mhux għalija. Naf li aktarx immut fil-futur qrib iżda rrid li nħalli xi ħaġa tajba lill-ġenerazzjonijiet ta’ warajja u nagħti rigal ta’ valur kbir lin-nies li ġejjin warajja.’’

U kompla jgħid li: ‘‘Din se tkun karità u rigal minni għas-snin li ġejjin, u se nirċievi l-barkiet ta’ Alla sa dak iż-żmien li din is-siġra se tibqa’ tagħti benefiċċji lin-nies.’’

Din l-istorja għandha messaġġ sabiħ ħafna; li wara l-mewt in-nies jispiċċaw imma l-affarijiet u l-għemil tajbin tagħhom jibqgħu għal dejjem. Is-siġar li jagħtu l-frott, il-kenn u l-arja safja huma wkoll wieħed mill-għemejjel tajbin li se jibqa’ għal dejjem. Għalhekk, jekk aħna rridu li n-nies jitkellmu tajjeb dwarna, wara l-mewt tagħna, allura hija importanti li aħna nħawlu ħafna siġar, kemm nistgħu.

Jekk aħna rridu li ngħixu ħajja tajba, jekk rridu li uliedna jgħixu ħajja kuntenta, jekk irridu li nħallu xi ħaġa tajba warajna għall-ġenerazzjonijiet li ġejjini, hu wisq importanti li nħawlu ħafna siġar kemm nistgħu. U nagħtu importanza kbira lil dan il-pjan.

Wasal il-ħin, li kull wieħed minna jipprova iħawwel is-siġar f’pajjiżna, li hi gżira daqstant ċkejkna iżda ħafna għażiż għalina, sabiex inħallu warajna pajjiż sabiħ, ambjent aħjar u uliedna ferħanin. Ejjew niddedikaw ruħna sabiex insalvaw l-umanità mill-problemi tal-ambjent u nagħtu dan ir-rigal prezzjuż lill-ġenerazzjonijiet li ġejjin.

Find Original post of It-Torca: By: Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta:

Commemorating International Women's Day Centenary 1911-2011: ''Seminar about Women''

Respected Mrs. Catherine Gonzi, the wife of the Hon. Prime Minister of Malta and respected Mrs. Michelle Muscat, the wife of the Hon. Opposition Leader together with other speakers will be participating in the “Seminar about Women”, organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, to commemorate the “Centenary of International Women’s Day”. The programme will be presented by Ms. Valerie Vella. The public is cordially invited.

Venue: The Waterfront Hotel Gzira

Friday 17^th June 2011 at 5.00pm (17hrs)

Ms. Valerie Vella: Introduction and presenting the event

Mrs. Michelle Muscat: women in general

Mrs. Nadya Anne Mangion: introduction of the NCW

Rev. Lawrence Attard: women in Christianity

Mr. Laiq Ahmed Atif: women in Islam

Mrs. Catharine Gonzi: women in general

The entrance to this event is free, open to all, both men and women, and will be in English. Please confirm your participation on the following contacts: 79320139 or amjmalta@gmail.com

Murder in the name of God

A policy debate on the rise of extremism internationally and its impact on Britain, House of Commons, 18 May 2011. The event was co-hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK and the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Community. Speakers were:

The Attorney General, The Rt Hon DOMINIC GRIEVE QC MP; Writer, broadcaster and cultural critic ZIAUDDIN SARDAR; Co-Director of the International Centre for the Study of radicalisation DR JOHN BEW; Director of Asia Pacific at Amnesty International SAM ZARIFI; and daughter of assassinated Governor of Punjab Pakistan Salman Taseer SHEHRBANO TASEER. In the absence of Siobhain McDonagh MP (Chair APPG), Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP chaired the event.

Watch a Video on this sitting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2gWpDctccY&feature=player_embedded

Read an article from the Archives on the tile of "Murder in the name of religion": http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100810/opinion/murder-in-the-name-of-religion.321772

Cruelty to animals and the conduct of the Holy Prophet, peace be on him, – the mercy for all the worlds

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, was Rahmatullil Almeen – mercy for all the worlds, his entire life is manifestation of great love and mercy towards all mankind as well as animals. Few examples of his mercy towards animals are presented below.

“He warned people against cruelty to animals and enjoined kind treatment to them. He used to relate the instance of a Jewish woman who was punished by God for having starved her cat to death. He also used to relate the story of a woman who found a dog suffering from thirst near a deep well. She took off her shoe and lowered it into the well and thus drew up some water. She gave the water to the thirsty dog to drink. This good deed earned her God’s forgiveness for all her previous sins.

‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud ra relates: “While we were in the course of a journey along with the Holy Prophet sa we saw two young doves in a nest and we caught them. They were still very small. When their mother returned to the nest, not finding her little ones in it, she began to fly wildly round and round. When the Holy Prophet sa arrived at the spot he observed the dove and said, ‘If any one of you has caught its young ones he must release them at once to comfort it’ ” (Abu Dawud). ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ud ra also relates that on one occasion they observed an ant-hill and, placing some straw on top of it, they set fire to it; whereupon they were rebuked by the Holy Prophet sa.

On one occasion the Prophet sa observed a donkey being branded on the face. He inquired the reason for this and was told that the Romans had recourse to this practice for the purpose of identifying high-bred animals. The Prophet (saw) said that as the face was a very sensitive part of the body, an animal should not be branded on the face and that if it had to be done the branding should be done on its haunches (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi). Since then Muslims always brand animals on their haunches and, following this Muslim practice, Europeans also do the same.” (Life of Muhammad sa; p 372-373)

Ahmadiyya plants 33 olive trees: 2nd tree planting event by Ahmadiyya

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta has participated in the tree planting event on Sunday 22^nd May at Selmun Family Park Mellieha. The Hon George Pullicino Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs attended the event; also the Prime Minister visited the tree planting area.

Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta planted an olive tree together with Hon. Minister George Pullicino to initiate the event, and said that tree planting was important to effectively change the environment into a better place.

In this activity the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community planted 33 olive trees as a contribution in the environmental section; it has also dedicated one tree to women to commemorate “International Women’s Day Centenary 1911 – 2011”. This was the second tree planting event by the Ahmadiyya Community.

The community believes to contribute in every social, charitable, humanitarian and welfare activity. And as there is a big climate change and pollution is on the increase, so there cannot be any better gift than to planting trees for the nation and this beautiful country, Malta. Planting olive trees is also to extend the message of peace, love and brotherhood to the entire nation; and to extend our motto, “Love for all – Hatred for none”.

Laiq Ahmed Atif & Hon. George Pullicino, Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs Malta

Uprising in Arab World and a Real Solution

The situation in the Middle East and in the African countries is worsening day by day. Since, the problems are increasing and people are dramatically being affected, it is but natural to have grave concerns about it. Although at present the entire world feels deep pain and there is an extreme restless feeling among the people.

The current uprisings have shaken all the Middle East and African Arab countries. The leaders, who are ruling these countries for decades, have not given proper attention to the problems of people, but, monarchs have used the opportunities to divert people’s attention to rob their own national wealth and expand grip over people.

I feel that this is my moral duty, as belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is free of all kinds of politics and is exclusively dedicated to serve humanity all over the world, and we are experiencing the greatest agony on the situation of contemporary world, to show my absolute sincerity at this time of great pain and to write some sincere words with the hope that they may be a guiding-line for the Arab world to get rid out of this massacre.

These problems first sparked in Tunisia, moved to Egypt and then translated into Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and indeed Syria, and seem to be domino affects sweeping across the Middle East. As human beings how grieved we are on the current situation in these countries, and the havoc and the difficulties that are been created for the ordinary men and women on the streets and their children, are the heart rending. And we see the news and come to know what is happening there, our hearts bleed for the innocent people. And we pray that their suffering would come to an end and peace would be promoted.

The rulers of these countries are there for decades, and also their families have been closely associated with their rule of power, they all ignored the rights of their people and have taken their eyes off the sufferings of their nations. They have not ruled the country with justice, they have not thought about what the best is for their citizens, and how wealth should be distributed amongst those citizens and how their welfare should be looked after. They did not utilize the national talent; they did not provide them standard education, jobs and medical facilities. They had their own interests at their hearts which they tried to fulfil during their long years in power.

The prophet Muhammad, peace be with him, has mentioned something very beautiful, very touching, he says that: “Each one of you is a ruler and will be answerable in respect of his subjects”; “A true leader of a nation is the one who serves the nation”. And he further emphasised on this matter and said: “Your best leader is the one whom you love and who loves you, and whom you pray for and who prays for you. And the worst leader is the one you hate and who hates you, and whom you curse and who curses you.”

I believe that these few sayings are enough for the leaders of the Arab world to judge their position, where they stand today. Are they the true servants of the nation? Do the people love and pray for them? I think all the problems have cropped up in these countries by neglecting these beautiful principles.

The real solution to this horrible situation in the Arab world is clearly mentioned in the Holy Quran and that is to observe absolute justice, equally enforced from top to bottom, leaders and ordinary people and kings and beggars, no one should be superior or excluded from the justice: “Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred”; “Verily, Allah commands you to give over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice”; “O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred.”

Thus, the rulers and kings of the Arab countries should do justice to the offices they hold. And the people too should realize their responsibility and not allow their countries to fall into the hands of extremists or fundamentalists. And the rulers should not arrogantly cause disorder in the land, and not be unjust, not to ignore the rights of the people, and not to allow the gap between the rich and poor to increase so much that it causes unease and paves the way for rebellion. The only path is that of righteousness and absolute justice and if both the people and rulers adhere to it, they will all prosper.

It is my fervent prayer, and that is the greatest weapon I believe, that may God make the leaders to recognise their responsibilities and obligations; they should fulfil their duties with righteousness and establish absolute justice in their countries. And may peace prevail. Amen

(By: Laiq Ahmed Atif, President AMJ – MALTA) Photo: Google images

Punishment for Apostasy and ISLAM:

It is extremely unfortunate that there are many people and scholars, including, some Muslims, who believe that the punishment for apostasy in Islam is a death penalty. In some Muslim countries they practise this and punish the apostate with killing.

As I have mentioned above that Islam declares that “There is no compulsion in religion”, it clearly gives the commandment that under no circumstances may force be resorted to for the purpose of converting non-Muslims to Islam. It makes no difference whether non-belief was before or after one’s acceptance of Islam. Compelling a person to believe in Islam and to punish a person for leaving and disbelieving Islam is absolutely forbidden. The non-believers and apostates are free to accept any religion, and there is no punishment in Islam.

The Holy Quran says:

Those who believe, then disbelieve, then again believe, then disbelieve, and then increase in disbelief, Allah will never forgive them nor will He guide them to the way. (4:138)

Just ponder over this verse and think that if it had been the punishment of apostasy a death, then how can a person who disbelieved Islam come back into the fold of Islam for the second time? In this verse it is not mentioned once, but for three times, that if a person disbelieves for three times still there is no worldly punishment for him. Not even a lesser punishment is mentioned.

Religion is a matter of choice, and everybody can believe or disbelieve any religion.

The Holy Quran says:

O ye who believe, whoso from among you turns back from his religion let him remember that in place of such a person, Allah will soon bring a people whom He will love and who will love Him, who will be kind and considerate towards the believers and firm and unyielding towards the disbelievers. They will strive hard in the cause of Allah and will not at all take to heart the reproaches of fault finders. That is Allah’s grace; He bestows it upon whosoever He pleases. Allah is the Lord of vast bounty, All-Knowing. (5.55)

Whoso disbelieves in Allah after he has believed — save him who is forced thereto while his heart finds peace in the faith — but such as open their breasts to disbelief, on them is Allah’s wrath; and they shall have a severe punishment. [16:107]

And Muhammad is only a Messenger. Verily, all Messengers have passed away before him. If then he die or be slain, will you turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels shall not harm Allah at all. And Allah will certainly reward the grateful. [3:145]

No corporal punishment can be understood to have been mentioned by any stretch of imagination in these verses of the Holy Quran.

“To conclude, apostasy is the clear repudiation of a faith by a person who formerly held it. Doctrinal differences, however grave, cannot be deemed to be apostasy. The punishment for apostasy lies in the hand of God Almighty, against whom the offence has been committed.” (Murder in the name of Allah, page 92, revised edition 1990)

(By: LAIQ AHMED ATIF) photo: Google images

‘International Families Day’: Prosperous societies depend on healthy families

Healthy and established families are the strength of a nation and the backbone of the prosperity of a society. But the question arises: What makes a family healthy, and how we can strengthen our families?

This is a very important question that comes across to mind while discussing the issue of families. To find the answer to this question the United Nations has dedicated a day the 15^th of May as the “International Day of Families”.

This dedication of a day for families by the United Nations reflects the importance and beauty of families, and alone bears witness to the greatness of our families and societies. The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and increases the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families; to find solutions to strengthen the bonds of families; and to improve the position and well-being of our families.

I believe that strong and stable families lead to social and national consolidation and economical stability. And when there will be economical stability in the country, there will be peace in the country and that finally will lead to economical progress. In brief, for a prosperous society, strengthened families are very crucial and inevitable.

The first very important point in this regard is to try to maintain genuine peace at home, because as I have already mentioned families make a society, and families leave great effects on the life of a nation. And if the homes of a nation are in an uncertain situation, their streets also cannot be at peace and serene. Thus, it is very important to make our homes a haven of peace so that the whole country and nation at large can be at peace.

Another factor which is very important for establishing strong families is to understand that both husband and wife are equal, no one is superior or inferior to the other, they possess the same and equal rights, their feelings and emotions are the same, and both should respect the sentiments of each other. Difference of obligations and duties does not mean good or better, but it only means that with the pure sense of equality two persons are carrying and performing different duties.

The sense of commitment, tolerance, patience and forgiveness are extremely important characteristics of a valuable family life. These qualities should be exhibited by both the husband and wife. There is no doubt, that while living together in a house, on many occasions different arguments and problems crop up, and that is a part of daily life. But the best way is to respect each other’s point view, as difference of opinion also helps to build strong relations. However, feelings of respect should always prevail.

A happy family life requires that the both partners should show great morals and good values at home. They should create an atmosphere of smiling. They should not become harsh to each other. They must spend time with each other, watch TV or any programme together, join each other at the dining table, share their daily works, share some jokes and light moments, share their good and bad, and go for outings together.

A husband should help his wife at home in household chores – in cooking, cleaning and washing etc. And a wife should also try to help her husband. Some people find it strange working at home and helping in cooking and cleaning etc. But there is no harm in helping at home; it will establish a better atmosphere of love and respect at home.

Once, I came to know that a child went to his uncle’s home and found him washing plates. He was astonished and asked his mother, why uncle was washing plates, wasn’t that the job of women? This question that came in the mind of the child was because in his surroundings, he always saw women working in the kitchen, and men distancing themselves from work in kitchen or at home, and secondly because his parents did not teach him how to help at home.

Marriage and family life is an agreement of give and take and acceptance. Thus, one should not consider himself or herself always right, but, rather should admit when one at fault. And both should try to avoid those matters that are not common between them, and always try to focus on the commonalities rather than differences. And we should try to avoid those issues which may bring scratches to our relationship.

Rising social and economic disparities are also one of the factors weakening the bonds of families. There is no doubt it is a difficult time for the families to meet their ends and to manage their daily needs, but the commitment of self-sacrifice from both sides can help to overcome these hardships.

On this International Day of Families, let us renew our commitment to efforts that guarantee the prosperity of our nation, society and country at large. And let us dedicate this day really as a day for our families, a unique opportunity to renew our pledge to strengthen our families and let us spread the message far and wide as prosperous societies depend on healthy families.

(By: Laiq Ahmed Atif, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Malta. Photo: Google images)

A friend in need is a friend indeed!

Every human life is precious and worthy, and the loss of a single human life is a tragedy and great loss, whoever the person is. The recent drowning of dozens of immigrants while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea towards Europe was one of the biggest tragedies. There is a crucial need to find solutions to avoid the loss of innocent human lives, to examine the situation in their countries and to solve the problems which become the reason for them to put their lives at great risk.

The subject I am going to write about today is related to this issue, but it is dedicated to showing admiration and great appreciation to the wonderful and admirable rescue operations by the Armed Forces of Malta and Malta at large. And while I was writing this article I remembered a story, which I’ll be sharing to shed more light on my subject.

Once upon a time a son and his father were discussing their friends. The son said his friend was very honest and loyal to him. His father wanted to teach him what real friendship was. So, at night the father said to his son that he wanted to accompany him to see his son’s friend. The son agreed and very happily and proudly he took his father to see his friend and knocked on his door. The friend came out and asked what the matter was. When they said they were in need and asked for help, he replied that at this time of night he couldn’t help them, because it was too late.

The father then told his son that he wanted to show him his own friend and they started walking. Finally, after walking for an hour they reached a hut in the forest. The father knocked; his friend came out immediately and met them passionately, then asked if they could give him a few moments. He went back to his home and when some time passed and he didn’t return, the son spoke to his father: “We are standing outside in this dark night and he went back to his home without asking us why we are here.” His father replied, “Wait and see, wait for a few moments”.

After a few minutes the friend emerged from his home, carrying a sack full of food items, clothes, blankets and holding some medicines and money in his hand. First he apologised for the delay, and explained the reason for being late.

His lamp was not working well because there was not enough oil in it, taking him long to find the things. Then he said: “I thought that if you came at this time of night, you must be in need, so I have brought all the necessary things I had at home – food, medicine, clothing, money etc. I am also ready to go with you, because I did not know what you were in need of. I brought everything and also made myself ready to go with you. Now tell me what you need, everything is here for you.”

At that moment, the father looked at his son. This is real friendship, he told him: “A friend in need is a friend indeed!” This story has a great message, that real friendship is not one that is limited to the happy and comfortable moments, but that true friendship is indeed a friendship in a time of need and difficulty. The main purpose of writing this story is to pay great tribute to the wonderful work Malta has done for the evacuation and salvation of human beings in this difficult time of crises in African countries.

Malta really deserves great appreciation and help in this hard time. The island has done a lot for the sake of humanity, and helped vulnerable and destitute people in the sea and saved their lives. And at a time when there was little hope for them, Malta became a hope of light for those people.

Malta has once again proved that yes “a friend in need is a friend indeed”; yes we love humanity, yes we have sincere feelings for mankind, yes we feel the pain of the destitute and vulnerable humans and yes we are there to show our friendship and solidarity. May God reward this beautiful island with His everlasting favours, bounties and blessings.

Well done Malta. Long live Malta.

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Laiq Ahmed Atif. The author is president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta. amjmalta@gmail.com

Peace Conference AMJ-Malta Alfzal Report

(Alfzal Rabwah: Monday 2^nd May 2011; pages 3.4.6)

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